Abstract
Objectives: Despite well-documented negative consequences, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) continues to be widely practised. In this systematic review, we investigated women's views of why FGM/C exists and persists. Methods: A meta-ethnographic approach was used in this systematic review of qualitative research. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included in this review and they represented the views and experiences of 823 women. FGM/C was considered a ‘rite of passage’ which was enforced to curb the expression of their sexuality and maintain social and gender norms within its communities. Nevertheless, attitudes towards FGM/C were changing among migrant populations. Conclusions: Creating community awareness projects, enforcing strict laws coupled with increasing health professional involvement may reduce the incidence of FGM/C.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-21 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | International Journal of Sexual Health |
| Early online date | 31 Oct 2019 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 31 Oct 2019 |
Bibliographical note
© 2019 Informa UK Limited. This is an author-produced version of the published paper. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher’s self-archiving policy. Further copying may not be permitted; contact the publisher for details.Keywords
- female genital mutilation
- Sexual and reproductive health
- VIOLENCE
- child abuse
- HEALTH BELIEFS
- FGM, violence against women, gender-based violence, qualitative systematic review.